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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant First Class James V. Turley (ASN: RA-14244188), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 April 19512, near Tosong-ni, Korea, Company B was occupying defensive positions on Hill 283 when it was attacked by a strong enemy force. During a prolonged night attack, the enemy eventually penetrated the area between the First and Second Platoons. Although his squad’s defensive emplacements were subjected to heavy hostile fire, Sergeant Turley left his foxhole and, braving the fusillade of small arms and automatic weapons fire sweeping the area, moved about from position to position, encouraging his men and directing their fire. Sergeant Turley’s courageous actions and outstanding heroism materially aided in diverting the enemy attack and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 23 (January 12, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant James V. Turley (ASN: RA-14244188), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, Company B advanced against dug-in hostile forces on Hill 281, near Chungse-ri, Korea. Among the forward elements in the action, Sergeant Turley’s platoon was pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons fire and hand grenades. Aware of possible disaster for the platoon, Sergeant Turley voluntarily left his position of comparative safety and, organizing a squad, deployed them to the left to distract the foe. While fearlessly moving about in the heavy enemy fire, he was wounded by an enemy grenade but succeeded in locating the most troublesome hostile bunker and advanced upon it. Disregarding his own wound and the hail of enemy grenades, he courageously dashed toward the emplacement and hurled a grenade into it. While he paused momentarily awaiting effects, an enemy soldier ran out of the bunker and charges Sergeant Turley, who killed the foe with a bayonet. After the bunker was neutralized, company elements were able to resume their attack, seizing and securing the objective. The gallantry, resolute leadership, and superb devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Turley reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.